Fall Break

We had a wonderful time on our Fall Break trip this past weekend! Uncle Koofy went with us last minute, and I am so glad that he was able to go!!

I was so excited of all the discounts and coupons that I had found; that it made me go into full force planning mode!! ;) I made an itinerary and stayed organized with a white 3 ring binder that held all of my money saving finds!! The guys made fun and we called it the "vacation bible." (They secretly loved it) lol.

We always play the, "alphabet game," on road trips. It's something Michael and I started years ago and I've been the reigning champion.  I was a little worried on this trip b'c Michael just had laser eye surgery. His vision is better than perfect and he could see the signs much clearer before I could. Let's just say that I STILL won even being behind and taking a break playing. Hahaha!! Michael couldn't believe it. We were tied up with "z," and Keith was still on "v." I just so happened to see the 1st "Z." Thank you "Zip stop!" Of course, Michael started in with his excuses. Blah, Blah, Blah....I still won sucker! :D

Everything went according to plan with only a few changes along the way! It made for a stress free trip!!

We went to Lamberts where I ran into a friend of mine that I worked with years ago! It was nice to see her with her family. Speaking of family, I think that is the main reason why we love Branson soooo much! It is family oriented. We love to do things as a family every chance we get and 95% of the time our kids are always with us. I like it that way because we all get to share the adventure together!  The food was so yummy, as always, and we were so stuffed. 

 

We arrived at our hotel and took the girls swimming after our bellies settled. That evening we shopped at The Landing and ate at the mexican restaurant by the river. Yummy, yummy and the water light show is pretty cool too!

  

 


The next day we slept in a little bit and went to our 1st show. It was the Down Home Country show that plays at Grand Country.  We actually enjoyed it. We were the youngest ones there by about 30 years, but we didn't mind. Lol! It makes me smile, actually. The comedian was pretty funny with his one liners directed towards the "elderly." They didn't seem to mind at all! I started to wonder if some of them were gonna pee on themselves from laughing so hard!!! Haha!! Michael said the lady beside him kept tooting! Lol!
Many of them had eyes for our girls! They thought they were so cute! I love the sense of humor many elderly people show!! We can learn lots for them!

At one point of the show the lady came out singing, "God Bless America," and every last one of the crowd stood in honor and sang along with her. It was a proud moment as an American. Many of them in the room fought for our freedoms that we all have today. 

After the show we went over to the Pizza Parlor, ate lunch, then played at the arcade! All of us were full of luck! We each hit the jackpot on our games. Kate and Maddie both played "Deal or No Deal" and won lots of tickets!! Maddie had a pretty rockin' board for a 3 year old; athough she only got 40 tickets compared to Kate's 100!
We all earned enough tickets to where the girls were both able to get a hamster and a kitty cat. They carried these items around with them, everywhere! Or, should I say, Mommy did.

Later that day we all got ready and grabbed a quick bite at McFarlin's before we headed to see "Joseph" at the Sight and Sound Theatre. It was a-m-a-zing! Seeing the story come to life like that was just incredible. We had seen "Noah and the Ark" there before so I knew this show wouldn't disappoint.  Katelyn loved it, Michael loved it, Keith loved it, and Maddie....well, she slept the whole time. Lol. This story was so encouraging. It showed how God's plan comes about in ways so far greater than what we could ever  imagine. Hard times will come that don't make any sense at the time, but we must remain obedient and full of character just as Joseph. He fully relied on God and held onto the visions he was given. The forgiveness displayed with Joseph and his brothers was so touching too. God uses us for His purposes. He's the source, He is the master planner!  Joseph was a willing, obiedent servant carried God with him where ever he went . Joseph ended up second while in Egypt. He full-filled
 the plan of God and not only saved the people but also his family during the 7
 year famine.

The next day we ate a yummy breakfast at our hotel, Grand Country Inn, then we headed to the Welk Resort where we stayed the next two nights. Welk allowed us an early check in, so we unpacked and headed to their waterpark/pool area to play for a couple of hours. Later, we cleaned up, ate at Shoguns and then went to, "The Price is Right!" 

That was a really neat experience! I watched the show as a kid and it was just cool being in a "make believe" live show.  We all were hoping to have our name called, however, the more I sat there the more worried/nervous I got if they were to call my name! lol. They never did, but Keith got to spin the big wheel at the end of the show! If he landed on 100 he would have won a hundred dollar bill. He almost had it, but instead landed on 15. We didn't win anything but had a fun time nonetheless!! After the show we went for ice cream!!

  

 

The next morning, we headed to Silver Dollar City!! Yay!!! We ate a breakfast buffett at "Molly's Mill" inside the park. Everyone had such a great time, especially Keith! He said he was a teenager the last time he rode a roller coaster. Needless to say, he was a repeat rider! Lol. There weren't any lines so we were able to walk onto many of the them without waiting at all! The girls enjoyed the kiddie ride area so much!! Maddie got to ride her 1st mini roller coaster too! She laughed and squealed the whole time!! While the boys rode a few rollercoasters, the girls and I went to the Saloon show. Lol. It was pretty good and embarrassing. I ended up be the object of the funny overweight guys' affection.  It was all apart of the shoe...but, he stuck his butt in my face several times. I could've done without that, but it was funny! My face was so red, which the other guy pointed out! lol. He would've had me to dance with him if I didn't completely brush him off!! lol. So, instead he danced with a mop.  It was all so funny though! They made a guy come up to the platform to get embarrassed! At least I was able to stay in my seat. :) Note to self: don't sit in front of the bar again! haha!

After SDC we decided to order in Pizza and swim at the waterpark again.  The next morning, we checked out and went shopping at Tanger outlet!! We found a few deals, I exchanged some purses, and was able to get a few Christmas presents at the Disney store.  We headed home around 4 pm. Poor Mikey....Keith, the girls and I all crashed in the car!! We were all vacationed out!!
It seemed like a longer journey getting home, especially for Michael.  We were all ready to sleep in our own beds AND have more air space to retreat too when the someone
decides to drop stink bombs. Hahahaha!! It's pretty bad, Keith, when a 3 year old says your booty is soo stanky and refuses to sleep or lay beside you! Lol! Fun times.
 
Anyways, I love getting away with my family, but I also love coming back home too. There is no place like home, Toto!! :D
 

 

My thoughts for the day.....

Consideration of others shows that you value them. Not taking advantage of someone shows that you value them. Both of which speak volumes of your character.
Being aware and taking ownership of when your wrong speaks volumes and shines the light of God thru you. It is Him that is working intergity, and conviction out in us.

If you pray to God for patience then opportunities will come your way for God to teach you patience. The same goes for wisdom, humility, respect, responsibility, self discipline, fairness, loyality, etc. These things aren't obtained, they are learned during the journey/process of life. Some people miss the opportunity/are oblivious, some people see it and chose to fight against it, and others are quickened with awareness when the opportunity presents itself. The goal is not perfection for we're all imperfect. The goal is awareness,  courage and discipline. Stop, breathe, and ask God for help to carry out His mercy, grace and wisdom to that particular situation- To be an extension of His love and forgiveness. To have the courage to take ownership of your own wrong doing.  This has been my prayer the last couple of days.

I've been a bitter person before and all it does is bring me more pain. It really stems from a root of control.  Desiring the other person to change/conform to what you want the them do or be is like loosing an uphill battle. It's controlling them so you can control the pain they can cause you. It's pointless. Pain in this life is inevitable. Our response to it is key. Bitterness, carrying grudges is a CHOICE not a byproduct of someone wronging you. Forgiviness is a choice. Accepting forgiveness is a choice.  I'm so thankful that God has been working that out in me.

I've lived and learned that you can be so wrong even when everything you say is so valid/right for that moment.  It can be very frustrating, at times, but it's teaching me wisdom, boundaries and reveals truth about myself.  I have also learned you can't do anything about other people's state of mind or their issues that they try to make your issues. It again is like loosing an uphill battle.

Which brings me to my next point, when you pray and ask God to reveal, heal and restore things about yourself that is not like Him. He'll do it. He'll bring it into the light. I've prayed these things -to teach me, show me, reveal, heal and restore. What I miss sometimes is the awareness, but God is so gracious and patient. He gives us chance after chance.

I know that this doesn't make me any less saved or accepted by Him. It's brings more freedom in my life. His grace meets always meets me where I'm at!!

Katelyn's 1st day of 1st grade!

August 16, 2012- Today is your 1st day in 1st Grade!!!

Where has the time gone? My precious wittle Katie Bug is a big 6 year old First Grader!

Although we arrived to school early, you were still the last First grader there in your class. (Surprise, Surprise! lol) It was a little overwhelming for you seeing all those kids sitting at their desks. You told me in the car on the way that you were already really nervous, and were afraid you'd be too shy. ( I'm thinking, Michael-jr shy?! no way! ;)  I started in on the picture taking...which you informed me that I was embarrassing you with. So I stopped, but then you froze. Seeing the look on your face standing at your classroom door told me that Mama better do something.
I grabbed the stroller with Maddie in tow and just be-bopped myself into the classroom right to your desk like I owned the place. You were quick to follow! (yea, Kate...you're welcome!) I snapped a few more pictures, followed you to your locker and gave you a pep talk. You acted like you were all fine and said, "No, Mom...really! You're embarrassing me!" Lol. So, with that I decided to plant a big kiss on your cute chubby cheek and said goodbye. You turned around and gave me a great big smile! :) As if to say, "Really, Mom.....thanks!! I love you, here is your kiss!" I didn't tear up until then. Then I had to go. Maddie and I left you to your teacher who assured me that you were in good hands! :)
Growing up can be so hard for Mommies!! Ahhh.... Anyways, here are the pictures!

1st day of 1st Grade!

Yes, I followed you to your locker!

You have your very own desk! Yes, this is embarrassing you!

The little girl beside you spells her name the same as our Madelyn!

Mrs. Lawson and Katelyn

                               

So, I may have been THAT Mom, but Kate you will thank me for this and appreciate it later! :P

I love you sweet baby girl!!!

Happy Mothers Day!

Today, as I was out planting a few flowers (I tend to do most of my thinking while watering my flower beds.) I began thinking about Mother's Day. What it means to me,... I then began to wonder what it could mean for others.  I imagined the countless untold stories that lie in so many Mothers.... Mary, the mother of Jesus, comes to mind. Wow. Think about that for a minute.  What was it like for her being the mother of Jesus/the Saviour of the world? The ups, the downs.... What stories/insight could she tell that we don't already know about....What was it like for her knowing the fate of her son, watching the pain, and agony he went through. and her not able to do a thing about it............

As I pondered that part of it....my heart ached....it's kinda depressing thinking about that, really. But, I realized that so much was said, about that,  although no words were spoken or documented. I get it.  I mean really, what can you possibly say to that? It was what it was as awful as it was, she knew it was God's will for her son.  She knew her son's purpose, but she was still his Mother. That says a lot.....

Mary, God's chosen mother, thank you for being you. As a mom, you're someone we all can look to for encouragement. You trusted and obeyed God in your moments of pain and suffering.

Anyways, I took a break, ate lunch, then went back out to finish watering the plants. My mind began racing again.....I thought about my Mom, Michael's Mom, me as a Mom, people that have lost their Mom's, people that grew up without a Mom,  or had an absent Mom, people that are longing to be a Mom but it just hasn't happened yet, people that can never be a Mom, Mom's that have suffered loss. The list really could just go on and on. I felt overwhelmed with appreciation, joy, memories and yet felt heavy hearted for so many that will have trouble celebrating and finding joy in this day. It was so heavy that I began to weep and pray.....Lord, comfort your daughters, restore back to them joy in their lives, hearts, mind and souls.

I wiped away the tears and I looked over and saw my 2 beautiful little girls playing in the sandbox. All of those thoughts just faded away and I stood there in awe feeling so incredibly blessed. For me, there hasn't been a more fullfulling calling than that of being a Mom.  I'm so grateful that God chose and intrusted me to be a Mom to my girls! I love them so much!

Miss Katelyn Paige, our almost 6 year old, made me a Mommy for the 1st time on June 11, 2006. She was 9 lbs 9 oz. She was due on the 14th and I was set to be induced on the 12th, BUT  I went into labor with her at a friends wedding (lol!) the Saturday before. This is where my mom embarrassingly told our Pastor, that I had lost my mucus plug that morning and was in labor. Really? Who says that to your Pastor at a wedding? OH, I know who! My excited to be a 1st time Grandma, Mom says that! Lol!

Katelyn-2 days old

Kateyn 4 mths old

Anyways, Three out of 4 of my Dad's sisters weren't able to have children, so the fear of that was in the back of my mind when conceiving Katelyn. It took almost 8 months. Before that, I actually never imagined the possibility of me never being able to have kids.  What an overwhelming thought. My heart aches for women going through that.

Personally,  I always felt and invisioned me being a Mom, like it's what I was supposed to do.  God is so graciously good! His timing is always the right timing too! Thankfully my sisters and I were all able to bear children! :)

Katelyn 9 mths old at Church

There was a season of loss at our church at the time. Several ladies had just gone through miscarriages. The enemy was coming against our congregation. I remember Pastor Jack one service had all the young ladies come to the front and the chruch prayed over each lady. Pastor was binding, loosing and was on fire ready to wage spiritual warfare on our behalf! I don't recall his exact words, but he prayed for life and health to be established and protected while in the womb of every woman that was seeking to become pregnant either now or in the future. It was amazing.  I'm here to tell ya, within 10 months there were 9 babies born in the church! Katelyn was one of them, my nieces, Addison and Jadyn, were 2 and 3 of the nine babies born! Isn't God so good?! :)

One of Katelyn's 1 year pics!

Katelyn brought us so much Joy, but for me especially. For the first time I really understood God's unwavering love for me.  The way I loved her made me understand in a whole new light how God truly loves me.  Ah, such a gift and that is such loaded statement in and of itself!

 

 Kate is almost 2. This is an Easter pic of Addie and Kate being silly!

Katelyn was my little buddy and she was so sweet (still is) and so full of laughter, love, compassion, and sensitivity! You couldn't help but laugh when she got to laughing.  She was (still is) a hoot!!
We were always together, and I hardly went anywhere without her. As she got older, I learned to let go a bit, as that was healthy for the both of us. The first night that she stayed away from Mom and Dad was when we were to go to the hosiptal to have Madelyn. Kate was 3 years old when Maddie
was born.

 

Katelyn almost 2 1/2 years old. She was a ladybug for Halloween

 March 2009- Kate got a new big girl bed. I was pregnant with Maddie at the time so we were getting the baby room ready for her. We loved to get/ give kisses!

Katelyn- 3years old

listening to little sister

Madelyn took about 8 months to conceive as well.  But, again...it was all in God's timing. Heather, my sister, sure is thankful! ;)  I was able to watch Miss Pate for her!

9 mths pregnant with Maddie

It's kinda funny. I was not trying to have another June baby, but God saw fit for it to be that way. Lol! There was a joke that I was only fertile in September and that Michael needed to stay away from me during that month! lol! Needless to say, every September after that I was just waiting to exhale!

June has always been a crazy busy month for us between family bdays, Father's day, and the big one----Firework season--- that we've been apart of since 1998.  Michael headed it up for a few years before our church merged with Destiny in 2010. Needless to say, we needed a break and layed low when firework season came around. We actually got to go out of town for the 4th of July.... 2 years in a row! It was nice! I wonder what we are gonna do this 4th?!


So, I became a Mommy again to Miss Madelyn Claire on June 17, 2009. I had such a great pregnancy with her! As opposed to gaining 55 lbs with Katelyn, I only gained 28 with Maddie. I loved being pregnant with both of them, but I felt prettier with Maddie b'c my face wasn't so fat with her and I didn't have really bad cankles and sausage toes! LOL!

Maddie was due the 26th but b'c my doctor was going to be gone to Hawaii and Kate was such a big baby we decided to induce early. Maddie weighed 7lbs 11 oz. Lord have mercy, I felt way more with her delivery than I did with Katelyn but my recovery was much better with Maddie.  It's all worth it in the end though!

Precious!

I have to say, it was so hard to imagine how I could love another baby as much as I loved Katelyn, but it's completely possible. I'm so in love with both of them!! It's hard to explain... It's like a love that is so deep and so strong yet so equal to where you couldn't imagine life without them in it.

Madelyn- 1 day old   

Madelyn was such a good baby!! She slept in her crib, wasn't colic-y, didn't have back to back ear infections like Katelyn did until she was 18mths. In fact, Maddie has only had one her whole life!
She didn't crawl and walk as fast as Kate did, which I liked! I wanted her to stay a baby for as long as possible. She still walked before she was one year old.  We noticed her onery personality starting to shine through around 15 to 18mths. She is so cute and is also a hoot! It was really hard not to laugh when we'd get onto her!  She would purposely do things to annoy Kate, then laugh about it. lol. I guess that's what little sisters are for, right? ;)  She wasn't overly sensitive like Katelyn, so spanking with her wasn't as near as dramatic as it was for Katelyn. lol! It's hard to say that as I look at these precious pictures of my little angel baby! She was nicknamed by my sister, "angelica", "angels, wings and halo!" lol! Really, she was!
                                                        Maddie- 3 weeks old

Madelyn 1 years old

 Madelyn is growing to be such a little lady! She loves to play with her big sis, (they equally adore each other!) she loves baby dolls, and bouncy balls! :)

She's so sweet and constantly keeps us laughing and on our toes!! Madelyn, you have also brought Mama and Daddy so much joy!

\\

Maddie on her 2nd bday

Some of our adventures as a Family!

 Ahh....motherhood! I love it...we have so many great memories! I could go on and on...so I'll just stop here. I do want to share a few more thoughts before I go:

1) Abigial Hope, Mama loves you! You made me a mother for the 3rd time and for that I am grateful. Although your not with us now, I look forward to the day where we'll all be reunited in heaven some day. (She was due May 4, 2012.... To think I would be sitting here rocking her in my arms, instead of typing this........yea, it's sad but I'm okay. I'm looking forward to becoming a mom for the 4th time someday!)

2) I am so blessed to have my Mom and Mother in law alive and well!!  They are such a blessing to Michael, Me and the girls. We love them dearly.  I couldn't imagine life without my Mom and I know Michael feels the same about his. We don't want to imagine it! :) 
It's funny, we always thought Jesus was gonna come back before we had a chance to get married and have kids of our own! Lol!  I think every generation thinks that at some point!
It's neat for us...having grandkids for our parents. It interesting how differenet they are with their
grandkids than how they were with us as kids! ;)

3) To all the Mom's out there, mine included... I wish you a very Happy Mother's Day! You are all fearfully and wonderfully made! You are what makes a house a home and a world a sweeter place! No one could ever take your place! Thank you for your love, support, encouragement, taxicab service (lol), credit cards ;) , long night talks, being there without hesitation when we needed you, prayers, patience , longsuffering, and tender care that has been shown.  It doesn't go un-noticed and you are a true Hero! (Proverbs 31:10) -Your worth is far more precious than rubies! I hope you all have a wonderful, relaxing day filled with people you love!

4) To Michael, Kate and Maddie: I love you all dearly! You make my life so much sweeter and I look forward to all of our adventures together! Thanks for making my "job" easy-being your Mama/wife!

"Mama, Can you make me a pollie?"

The girls "helped" me plant some flowers today in some of my pots.  Katelyn was a great big help until she got distracted by a little Rollie Pollie that she found.  My back was turned to Madelyn as I was working on a 2nd pot. I asked her to bring me those flowers that were on the ground by that other pot.  She did, or so I thought.  After each flower that she brought me I would say, "Good girl Maddie, thank you!"

When that particular pot was finished I turned around to see if there were any more flowers left in their crates that I could use elsewhere.  What I saw made me take a deep breath, I sighed, and then I  laughed. Maddie had given me the flowers from the other pot. So, I went back over to that pot and planted the flowers that were still in their crates on the ground! Those were the ones she was supposed to bring me (SMH!) lol!

In the meantime, Katelyn has found a leaf (a home) for her new pet rollie pollie that she named Jessie.  Then, Madelyn decides that she wants a rollie pollie. (Of course!) So Katelyn helps her look for one in the front and back flower beds.  They never did find one for Maddie.

It started to get dark so we went inside.  Jessie had to come too. 

Maddie comes up to me and says, "Mommy, I don't have a pollie! I want a pollie! Can you make me one?" LOL!

I love how kids think their Mama's can do/make anything! It's a blessing and a curse. ha!  She didn't like my response when I told her, "Baby, Mama's can't make pollie's; they are insects."

Later, it was all okay b'c Katelyn lost Jessie somewhere in the house. So, Maddie didn't care to have one anymore! Go figure! ;)

Ahh, my girls crack me up.

I didn't sing b'c I couldn't find a key!

Ha! This made me laugh, really hard! My family cracks me up!

Let me first share this:

My Mamaw calls me and leaves 2 different messages on my cellphone. They were 2 minutes apart and one message lasted 20 seconds while the other lasted 14 seconds. Each message was basically the same, wishing me Happy Birthday! However, she didn't think the 1st one went through, so she left the exact same message the 2nd time. The 1st time it sounded as if she thought I answered the phone and was talking away. She then realized I had not answered and hung up.  It was funny!

Later that day,  I saw my stepmom on facebook and asked her to have my Dad call our house phone.  He called and wished me a Happy Birthday! We talked for a bit and he asked me if I had gotten his voicemail yet.  I told him, "No, not yet, but I will listen to it in a little bit."
He says to me, "Well I didn't sing along, b'c I couldn't kind a key!"
I was like, Huh?!  He sounded like he really felt bad about not singing along.  LOL! My Dad can be quite the comedian!  I figured he was referring to the voicemail, but I was still kinda confused.  (My Dad can play the piano and sing) So, he went on to say, "A bunch of us (my aunts, uncles, cousins) were out at Mamaw's and when I called to wish you Happy Birthday everyone decided to sing Happy Birthday to you." I immediately laughed out loud and put it all together in my head.  We got off the phone shortly after.  I immediately got my phone and listened to the voicemail." It was so sweet and thoughtful!  It was also an interesting rendition/melody of Happy Birthday! I could hear my Dad in the background.  He tried to follow the first initial note, but that changed so much that he just stopped singing! Afterwards I could hear him doing his famous "ah, ha!" laugh. He ended it with, "well, that was that!" "I love you Bop, Happy Birthday!" LOL! I laughed so hard!!!

Fast Forward about 2 hours.   Michael, Keith, Kim Burger and I were laying around watching movies. My Mom and Heather stopped by. They surprised me with Bday cards, a cookie cake and creme puffs! It was so sweet and thoughtful!  My Mom came walking in with a candelit cookie cake. Everyone starts singing, "Happy Birthday."  My mom started to sing along then stopped.  I was giggly at this point b'c I caught on as to why she stopped.  Afterwards, she said...."well I was gonna sing but I couldn't find the key they were in!" ROFL!!! She had no idea that my Dad just said the same thing earlier on the phone.  My Mom also sings and plays the piano, as well.  It's funny to me how some musically talented people can be sooo serious!!! In this case it was, "Happy Birthday." Really?! Lol..It isn't meant to sound perfect when a big group of family and friends sing it!" LOL That's what makes it fun/funny! I'm a musical person too, but when everytime I sing it I try to sound off key, and as terrible as possible-on purpose! LOL!

Anyways, Mom wanted to know what was so funny. I proceeded to tell her about what Dad said earlier. I then let her listen to the voicemail. Her and Heather laughed.  Ahhh, that made my day! I think Mom and I laughed more about it than anyone else.

I would say that "you would've had to been there"..but even those that were there didn't quite "get it."  That's usually what I say, "I don't get it" but, I got this one....so did my mom and we were rolling! hahhahah!

Anyways,  I thought it was so funny that I had to share!!

Thank you everyone for all the facebook messages, texts, and voicemails on my birthday!!! :)

I know! Let's all sing along together as I end this blog...."Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to Michele, Happy Birthday to you!" Hahahahah!  :P

and many more..........

Rolling into our 30's

Michael and I have shared quite a few birthdays throughout our relationship!  We were born 3 days apart and even though I am only 3 days older, he enjoys rubbing it in....as if 3 days is a whole lot! ;) I guess it is when it comes to your "30th" :P
Our daughter, Katelyn, over the past couple of weeks has been telling everyone that I'm already 30.  I kept telling her over and over that I was still 29, of course up until this day! She was convinced. I wonder who put that in her head!? Thanks babe!
So, we celebrated our birthdays together Saturday night.  We went to Zio's and after dinner we went roller skating!! That was a lot of fun! We haven't been roller skating since our Youth Pastoring days. A big "thank you!" to everyone that braved it out with us!! You guys are good sports! Michael and I both did better than we thought! He fell once and I didn't fall at all. That equals success for me!  ;)

They had these cute little skate walkers for the kiddos! Katelyn enjoyed it so much!  Maddie's feet weren't big enough to wear the skates, so she hung out with her Nana. They ate candy and I'm pretty sure mom gave her some soda pop. Maddie enjoyed watching us in between her dance jams.



Many of you know that I am a picture fanatic! I intended on taking a lot of pictures, so I brought two cameras with me. However, I forgot my memory card at home! ;(
Awesome, I know! SO....several of us pulled out our cellphones....

Here are some pictures that my sister took for me: 

My sweet, dear friend Sara made this yummy cake for us!! She also made some awesome cupcakes that were devoured before we were able to snap a picture of them!

Above: A picture of us all photo-shopped and glamourized....lol...except my forehead (or as I would say as a kid, my fivehead) looks white and my cheeks look red/brown so I look kinda funny.

It's still a good pic-Heather you did a good job!

My amazingly awesome sister-n-law, Kim, hosted an "All about Michael/Michele game."

It was funny and not as embarrassing as I thought it would be!

Thanks Kim!! We love you!!

 

Above: Tricia snapped this phote while we were skating!

So glad that we survived skating! Ha! We felt like kids again! Well maybe not physically, but we did so in spirit! I was surprised of how fast it all came back to me. I didn't have any trouble really, except for the stopping part....I couldn't figure that out with the skates I had on. It resulted in me stopping myself by running into the wall-on purpose, of course! ;)

Day 3 Aquarium

The Aquarium is also at GMM!

I actually enjoyed this more than Legoland!

Above: you can see the fish all swimming in one direction. Over to the left (not pictured) there was a small group of fish trying to fight the tide and go the other direction. Their leader was out in front making his way against the tide. Only a few were able to keep up.   We stood there and watched them for a while. It was interesting.  Some of the fish gave up while others were trying their best to keep up...

Anyways....after a moment spent in deep thought about the fish...we realized our kids had taken off into the next room! Lol!!....This is where we found Kate!

Sweet girls!

Inside the shark tunnel! Eekk!!

Did you know that sharks can reproduce and replace their own teeth. Some up to and over 6000 per year! Wow! If they loose a tooth from the front row another tooth pushes in from the back row to replace it while their body grows another tooth!

Me with my girls! Maddie looks so interested!

Below: I snapped this photo too soon and missed it when the turtle got directly beside her!

Kate and the fish!

Silly girl!

Maddie and the fish!

She kept looking for the turtle!

Maddie and the Sting Ray! She has no idea that it got that close to her! lol...She freaked out a little bit when she saw it.

Finding Nemo....can ya see him?

A Seahorse- Did you know the males carry the babies until they are able to fend for themselves!?

Looks like we're under the ocean! Cool beans!

Petting a star fish! Maddie wasn't really interested in touching it!

We had such a good time learning about different sealife! There were so many colorful fish! It made me wanna go watch Nemo or go pick up a Nemo! :P

 The lion fish were beautiful, but are very poisionous!

At the end of the tour we watched a video about an American turtle who got lost and ended up in European waters. The turtle was rescued, nursed back to health and was flown back to the United States to be released into the ocean again! It was a sweet story!

I would definately recommend the Aquarium if you visit Grapevine! :)

This was our next to the last stop before we headed home. Afterwards we went to Ikea. I heard so much about that I wanted to experience it for myself! I loved it! We did things a little backwards, but oh well! Here's a bit of advice- walk thru the showroom first! Write down what you like, then go downstairs and do your shopping! :)  It will save time and confusion!

This was a nice mini-vacation! I'm looking forward to going to San Destin, Fl with family on Spring Break!